EP3466496A1

EP3466496A1 - A top cap and a method of arranging a top rim in a top cap

Info

Publication number: EP3466496A1
Application number: EP18194965.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Hagel
Original assignee: Avero AB
Current assignee: Avero AB
Priority date: 2017-10-06
Filing date: 2018-09-18
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Also published as: CN209451205U; SE1751234A1; CN109621280A; SE542042C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a top cap (21) adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole. The top cap extends in a height direction (H) and comprises a top wall (23) and a side wall (25). The top cap comprises a through-going groove (27) extending from a first exit opening (29) at one side of the side wall to a second exit opening (31) at an opposite side of the side wall. The groove comprises an insertion portion (33) and a retaining portion (35), which are directly or indirectly connected to each other. The insertion portion has a first orientation (F 1 ) and the retaining portion has a second orientation (F 2 ), the second orientation being different from the first orientation. The invention also relates to a kit, which comprises one or more top caps according to the invention and a top rim (19), and to a trampoline (1). The invention also relates to a method of arranging a top rim in a top cap according to the invention.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a top cap adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole of a trampoline. The disclosure also relates to a kit, which comprises one or more top caps according to the invention and a top rim, and to a trampoline. The invention also relates to a method of arranging a top rim in a top cap according to the invention.

BACKGROUND

A trampoline comprises a jump mat, a frame and at least one resilient member. The jump mat is typically circular, oval, square or rectangular. The jump mat may comprise a cloth or net-shaped structure. It may be made of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The frame is normally made of metal. It encompasses the jump mat and typically has substantially the same shape as the jump mat. A circular or oval jump mat is then surrounded by a circular or oval frame having a larger diameter than the jump mat, and a square or rectangular jump mat is surrounded by a substantially square or rectangular frame, which however may comprise rounded-off edges.
The jump mat typically comprises a plurality of attachments distributed along the edge of the jump mat. The attachments are adapted to receive one or more resilient members for retaining the jump mat under tension. The resilient members may be a plurality of springs, e.g. helical springs, connecting the edge of the jump mat to the frame, thereby tensioning the jump mat. When a person is using the jump mat, i.e. jumping on it, the springs will be extended and thereafter strive to go back to their normal lengths. The spring may be attached to a loop, such as a D-shaped or triangle-shaped ring, comprised in the jump mat by means of a hook comprised in the spring.
As an alternative, the resilient member may comprise an elastic cord. Normally, the elastic cord is long enough to go back and forth between the edge of the jump mat and the frame a couple of times. Each portion connecting the jump mat to the frame then forms a segment, which correspond to a spring in the above example. The elastic cord may be so long, that only one elastic cord is utilized for the whole jump mat, or a plurality of elastic cords may be used.
The jump mat is often surrounded by an edge pad, which is adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame. The edge pad will help preventing a user from stepping or landing between the resilient members, e.g. when climbing onto the jump mat. The edge pad may also be arranged to cover the frame, thereby dampening a possible impact with the frame in case of stepping or landing on the frame. The edge pad is often made as a number of segments, the shapes of which are adapted to the frame and the jump mat. For a circular or oval jump mat, the segments may therefore be arc-shaped. For a square or rectangular mat, rectangular segments may be used.
It is further known to use a safety net in order to prevent a user from falling off the jump mat. The safety net is retained by a safety net retaining system. The safety net retaining system typically comprises a plurality of safety net poles extending upwardly from the frame. The safety net poles support a top rim carrying the safety net surrounding the jump mat. The lower portion of the safety net may be attached to the jump mat. This helps to prevent the user from stepping on or between the resilient members.
The top rim is typically attached to the safety net pole by means of a top cap mounted on top of the safety net pole. Normally, the top rim is releasably attached to the top cap such that the safety net retaining system and/or the whole trampoline can be dismounted. However, there is then a risk that the top rim undesirably is released from the top cap when a user is jumping in the trampoline.
It is thus desirable to provide a top cap which makes it easy to mount the top rim but yet prevents undesirable release of the top rim from the top cap.

SUMMARY

The object of the present disclosure is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
The object above may be achieved by the subject-matter of claim 1. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings. Thus, the present invention relates to a top cap adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole. The top cap extends in a height direction and comprises a top wall and a side wall. The top cap comprises a through-going groove extending from a first exit opening at one side of the side wall to a second exit opening at an opposite side of the side wall. The groove comprises an insertion portion and a retaining portion, which are directly or indirectly connected to each other. The insertion portion is adapted to allow passage of a top rim from an outside of the top cap into the retaining portion. The retaining portion is adapted to retain the top rim. The insertion portion has a first orientation and the retaining portion has a second orientation, the second orientation being different from the first orientation.
As mentioned above, the top cap is adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole. The safety net pole is part of a safety net retaining system, which is configured to hold a safety net surrounding a jump mat of a trampoline.
The safety net retaining system comprises a plurality of safety net poles which are located around a perimeter of a frame of the trampoline. The safety net poles are typically enclosed by a foam and/or a sleeve in order to protect a user of the trampoline upon an accidental impact with the safety net pole.
The safety net retaining system further comprises a top rim, which is adapted to bridge interspaces between the safety net poles. Preferably the top rim, when mounted, forms a closed circumference. It may e.g. be made of metal or plastics, such as steel or glass-fibre. Typically, the top rim comprises a number of top rim sections, e.g. made of glass-fibre rods, which are pair-wise connected at their respective ends by means of a coupling element, e.g. a sleeve, which may be made of steel. In that case, the top rim comprises the top rim sections and the coupling elements. The top rim sections may be made with a standardized length. The top rim section typically has a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of from 5 mm to 20 mm, or in the range of from 10 mm to 15 mm. As an alternative, the top rim may have a square, rectangular or elliptical cross-section. In that case, the cross-sectional area may be in the range of from 20 mm² to 300 mm² or in the range of from 80 mm² to 180 mm².
The safety net is suspended from the top rim, such that the safety net substantially extends in a vertical direction and in a circumferential direction. In addition, the safety net may be curved outwards in relation to the jump mat, such that its upper perimeter, given by the top rim, is larger than its lower perimeter.
The top cap extends in a height direction coinciding with the extension direction of the top of the safety net pole, on top of which the top cap is to be mounted. If the safety net pole has an inclined upper part, the height direction may thus differ from the vertical direction.
The top cap comprises a top wall intended to face upwards as seen in the height direction and a side wall located at a perimeter of the top wall. The side wall extends in the height direction. The top cap has a generally cylindrical shape. It may be formed as a single integral unit. It may e.g. comprise or be constituted by moulded polymer.
As an option, the top cap may form an integral part of the safety net pole. However, typically the top cap is a separate component, which is attached to or attachable to the safety net pole.
The groove extends from a first exit opening at one side of the side wall to a second exit opening at an opposite side of the side wall. Preferably, the groove intersects with a central axis of the top cap in the height direction. This is beneficial from a load point of view, since any forces applied to the safety net are then easily transferred to the safety net pole.
The insertion portion and the retaining portion may be directly connected to each other. There may also be one or more transition portions in between, i.e. the insertion portion and the retaining portion being indirectly connected to each other. The transition portions may then take up the geometrical shape differences between the insertion portion and the retaining portion, such that the top rim can be transferred from the insertion portion via one or more transition portions to the retaining portion and vice versa.
The insertion portion is adapted to allow passage of the top rim from an outside of the top cap into the retaining portion during mounting of the safety net retaining system. The insertion portion is therefore wide enough to allow the top rim to pass or at least the top cap can be temporarily and elastically deformed, preferably by hand, to have a width allowing passage of the top rim. Preferably, the insertion portion is also wide enough to allow one of the above-mentioned coupling elements to pass.
A width of the insertion portion is determined in a direction being perpendicular to the height direction as the smallest distance from one side edge of the insertion portion to the other side edge of the insertion portion. The width may vary along the extension of the insertion portion, but it will be the smallest width that is relevant for if the top rim can pass or not.
The first orientation of the insertion portion is determined in relation to an effective width of the insertion portion, the effective width being the width of the insertion portion being available for a top rim to be inserted into. The effective width is determined by drawing a respective straight line at each side edge of the insertion portion, such that the line goes from the first exit opening to the second exit opening and yet not intersects with the side edge of the insertion portion. Hence the effective width represents a field of "free sight" between the first exit opening and the second exit opening. The effective width of the insertion portion is perpendicular to the first orientation. The effective width represents the narrowest neck that the top rim would have to pass when inserted. The effective width is less than or equal to the actual width. Purely as an example, if the side edge of the insertion portion comprises one or more protrusions protruding into the insertion portion, the effective width could be less than the actual width. The protrusion may be permanent or resilient. If resilient, the protrusion may e.g. be spring-biased, such that it can at least partly be pressed to the side.
To summarize, the first orientation extends in the insertion portion from the first exit opening at one side of the side wall to the second exit opening at the opposite side of the side wall and is perpendicular to the effective width of the insertion portion.
The retaining portion is adapted to retain the top rim when the safety net is mounted, e.g. when the trampoline is in use. It is thus preferred that the top rim, when located in the retaining portion, assumes a lower potential energy than when located in the insertion portion, such that the top rim strives to remain in the retaining portion. The second orientation of the retaining portion is determined in relation to an effective width of the retaining portion in a corresponding way as for the insertion portion. However, for the retaining portion, the effective width is typically the same as the actual width.
The second orientation is determined in a corresponding way as the first orientation, i.e. the second orientation extends in the retaining portion from the first exit opening at one side of the side wall to the second exit opening at the opposite side of the side wall and is perpendicular to the effective width of the retaining portion.
The insertion portion has a first orientation and the retaining portion has a second orientation, the second orientation being different from the first orientation. The first and second orientations are related to a three-dimensional space spanned by the top cap as seen in three dimensions. Typically the first and second orientations extend as straight lines in the three-dimensional space. However, if the top rim has a generally curved shape, such as a circular or elliptical shape, the orientation may also be slightly curved. The curvature would in that case be very large in relation to the dimensions of the top cap, such that the orientations nevertheless are well approximated by straight lines.
The term "orientations being different" means that the first and second orientations do not extend in parallel, nor are they equidistant as seen in the three-dimensional space. They may however extend in planes, which are parallel as seen in the height direction, such that the first and second orientations extend with the same vertical distance therebetween although the distance as seen in the three-dimensional space varies along the extensions of the first and second orientations.
Hence the top cap according to the invention differs from prior art solutions, in which the orientations of the insertion portion and the retaining portion may extend in parallel and equidistantly. By having the different orientations of the top cap according to the invention, the top rim is prevented from undesirably jumping out of the groove, as is further explained below. Thereby it is possible to have a top rim with perfect fit, neither too large, nor too small, cf. prior art solutions for which the top rim either may be somewhat too large or too small. This makes mounting of the safety net retaining system in general, and mounting of the top rim in particular, easier than for prior art solutions.
The insertion portion may be narrower than the retaining portion, which will help to retain the top rim in the retaining portion, which is common in prior art solutions. However, with a top cap according to the invention, it is possible to also have a wider insertion portion than in the prior art solutions, for example even as wide as that of the retaining portion, due to the different orientations of the insertion portion and the retaining portion, which prevents the top rim from undesirably jumping out of the groove.
As an option, a lower end of the side wall may be inclined. This makes it easier to insert the foam and/or sleeve surrounding the safety net pole into the top cap, such that the side wall goes down outside of the foam and/or sleeve, thereby preventing water to enter beneath the foam or sleeve from above. The inclined lower end may further be utilized to indicate to the person mounting the top cap on the safety net pole, which part of the top cap should be directed radially outwards. However, preferably the top cap is configured to function as desired also if mounted on the safety net pole rotated by 180°.
The first and second orientations may be projected to a plane being perpendicular to the height direction. The first orientation has a first projection to the plane being perpendicular to the height direction and the second orientation has a second projection to the plane being perpendicular to the height direction. The projection plane forms a two-dimensional space.
The first projection may be non-equidistant to the second projection. Further, the first projection and the second projection may be non-parallel.
The first projection and/or the second projection in the plane may go through a projected centre point of a centre of the top wall in the plane. This is beneficial from a load point of view, since any forces applied to the safety net are then easily transferred to the safety net pole. Further, the top cap can be rotated by 180° when mounted in relation to the thought mounting orientation and yet the top cap will function as intended.
The first projection may assume an extension direction being rotated in relation to the extension direction of the second projection in the plane. The rotation may be in the range of 0-90°, preferably 5°-60°, more preferably 10°-45°, most preferably 15°-35°. The rotation preferably is around the above-mentioned projected centre point.
The first projection and the second projection may cross each other, preferably at the projected centre point. The first projection and the second projection may cross each other in the plane at an angle α being in the range of 0 < α ≤ 90°, preferably 2° ≤ α ≤ 60°, more preferably 3° ≤ α ≤ 30°, most preferably 5° ≤ α ≤ 15°. Alternatively, the angle α is preferably in the range of 5° ≤ α ≤ 60°, more preferably 10° ≤ α ≤ 45°, most preferably 15° ≤ α ≤ 35°.
The insertion portion may form an opening in the top wall, the retaining portion being accessible through the insertion portion from above as seen in the height direction. In such a configuration, the top rim is to be entered through the insertion portion as seen from above in the height direction, which, as explained above, may deviate from the vertical direction. At least a part of the retaining portion, preferably a main portion of the retaining portion, more preferably the whole of the retaining portion, is then located below the insertion portion as seen in the height direction and also as seen in the vertical direction. As an alternative, or a complement, the insertion portion may form an opening in the side wall.
A cross-section of the retaining portion and/or of the insertion portion may have a symmetric shape. The shape of the cross-section is determined in a plane being perpendicular to the respective orientation.
A cross-section of the retaining portion may have an elongated shape, such as an elliptical, an oval or a rectangular shape. The shape of the cross-section is determined in a plane being perpendicular to the second orientation.
A main portion of the retaining portion may have the same cross-sectional shape, preferably all or substantially all of the retaining portion may have the same cross-sectional shape. Hence the retaining portion may comprise or be constituted by a cylinder having e.g. an oval or elliptic foot print. It would also be possible that the cross-sectional shape varies along the length of the retaining portion.
A main portion of the insertion portion may the same cross-sectional shape, preferably all or substantially all of the insertion portion may have the same cross-sectional shape. It would also be possible that the cross-sectional shape varies along the length of the insertion portion. There may e.g. be a stepwise change.
In the first exit opening and/or in the second exit opening, the insertion portion may be located non-centric in relation to the retaining portion in a direction parallel to the height direction. This is a consequence of the different orientations described herein.
The invention also relates to a kit comprising one or more top caps according to the invention, the one or more top caps comprising a respective groove, and a top rim adapted to bridge interspaces between safety net poles, wherein the grooves are adapted to receive and retain the top rim. The one or more top caps are adapted to be mounted on top of a respective safety net pole of a trampoline.
The invention further relates to a trampoline comprising

a jump mat,
a frame, adapted to encompass the jump mat,
a safety net adapted to surround the jump mat in order to prevent a user from falling off the jump mat and/or from stepping outside the jump mat,
a first plurality of safety net poles, adapted to be located around a perimeter of the frame,
a second plurality of top caps according to the invention adapted to be mounted on top of a respective safety net pole of the first plurality of safety net poles, and
a top rim adapted to bridge interspaces between the safety net poles,

Purely as an example, the first plurality may comprise a number of safety net poles being in the range of from 4 to 12, such as 6 or 8 safety net poles.
The invention also relates to a method of arranging a top rim in a top cap according to the invention, the method comprising:

aligning a portion of the top rim and the insertion portion of the top cap by applying an alignment force,
inserting the portion of the top rim through the insertion portion and into the retaining portion of the top cap,
releasing the alignment force.

The portion of the top rim is at least as long as the insertion portion. The alignment force is an external force, which is applied, directly or indirectly, to the top cap, to the safety net pole and/or to the top rim. Preferably, the alignment force is applied by hand, such that no extra tool is needed.
The top cap is adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole. The whole safety net pole with the top cap attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap alone, may be rotated to obtain the alignment of the top rim with the insertion portion. Hence the alignment force would be a rotation force applied to cause the rotation.
As an alternative or a complement, the top rim can be distorted from its original shape, also being its rest shape. The top rim may be locally twisted away from its original shape, e.g. circular or elliptic, by a distortion force being the alignment force, such that the portion of the top rim temporarily becomes aligned with the insertion portion of the top cap.
If rotating the whole safety net pole with the top cap attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap alone, the rotation force is released after insertion of the top rim, such that the safety net pole with the top cap attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap alone, can return to its original position.
In case the top rim is distorted from its original shape, the distortion force is released after insertion of the top rim, such that the portion of the top rim will adapt to follow the shape of the retaining portion. The top rim strives to go back to its original shape. Preferably, the retaining portion is oriented such that the top rim can go back to its original shape.
When the method is utilized for a trampoline according to the invention, the method may further comprise one or more of the following steps:

positioning a top cap according to the invention on top of a safety net pole,
orientating the top cap in relation to the safety net pole, such that the top rim will be located in the retaining portion of the groove after insertion,
optionally, attaching the top cap to the safety net pole with this orientation.

These steps may be performed before or after the above steps.
The top cap may be orientated by rotating it in relation to the safety net pole. Orientating may be made before positioning. Further, if the top cap was correctly orientated in relation to the safety net pole when positioned on top of the safety net pole, the orientating may be dispensed with.
Preferably the attachment of the top cap to the safety net pole is fixed, such that the top cap cannot fall off undesirably. The attaching may be performed by utilizing the above-mentioned attachment means. It is however preferred that the top cap is releasably fixed to the safety net pole, such that the safety net retaining system may be dismounted and/or removed when desired. As an alternative, the top cap may instead form an integral part of the safety net pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

Fig. 1: is a perspective view of a trampoline.
Fig. 2: illustrates a detail of the trampoline.
Fig. 3: illustrates a top cap according to prior art.
Fig. 4: illustrates a projection plane of the prior art top cap of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5: is a side view of a top cap according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6: illustrates the top cap of Fig. 5 in an upside-down perspective view.
Fig. 7: illustrates a projection plane of the top cap of Fig. 5.
Fig. 8: illustrates a cross-section through a retaining portion of the top cap of Fig. 5.
Fig. 9: illustrates a method of arranging a top rim in a top cap.
Fig. 10a-d: illustrate a top cap according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 11a-d: illustrate a top cap according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 12a-d: illustrate a top cap according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

It should be noted that the appended drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of some features of the present invention may have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Details from two or more of the embodiments may be combined with each other.
Figure 1 illustrates a trampoline 1 according to the invention. The trampoline 1 comprises a jump mat 3, a frame 5, a plurality of resilient members 7, illustrated as helical springs, a safety net 9, a safety net retaining system 11 and an edge pad 13. A first direction D₁ forms a vertical direction and a second direction D₂ perpendicular to the first direction D₁ forms a circumferential direction.
The jump mat 3 is intended for jumping. It is encompassed by the frame 5. The frame 5 comprises legs 15, such that the trampoline 1 stands on the ground via the legs 15. The edge pad 13, which may be divided into segments, covers the resilient members 7 and the frame 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the jump mat 3 and the surrounding frame 5 are shown as circular, but they may also be e.g. oval, square or rectangular.
The jump mat 3 is retained in tension by the resilient members 7. The resilient members 7 are attached at or adjacent to an edge of the jump mat 3 by means of attachments, e.g. D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings. When the trampoline 1 is mounted, as in Figure 1, and nobody uses it, the jump mat 3 is in a substantially flat state.
The safety net retaining system 11 comprises a first plurality of safety net poles 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f, which are located around a perimeter of the frame 5 extending in the first direction D₁ forming the vertical direction or at least substantially in the first direction D₁. The safety net poles 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f are typically enclosed by a foam and/or a sleeve in order to protect a user of the trampoline 1 upon an accidental impact with the safety net pole.
The safety net retaining system 11 further comprises a top rim 19, which is adapted to bridge interspaces between the safety net poles 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f. Preferably the top rim 19 forms a closed circumference, as is illustrated. It may e.g. be made of metal or plastics, such as glass-fibre. Typically, the top rim 19 comprises a number of top rim sections, e.g. made of glass-fibre rods, which are pair-wise connected at their respective ends by means of a coupling element, e.g. a sleeve. The coupling elements then also form part of the top rim. The top rim 19 typically has a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of from 5 mm to 20 mm, or in the range of from 10 mm to 15 mm. As an alternative, the top rim 19 may have a square, rectangular or elliptical cross-section. In that case the cross-sectional area may be in the range of from 20 mm² to 300 mm² or in the range of from 80 mm² to 180 mm².
The safety net 9 is suspended from the top rim 19, such that the safety net 9 substantially extends in the first direction D₁ forming the vertical direction and in the second direction D₂ perpendicular to the first direction D₁ forming the circumferential direction. In addition, the safety net 9 may be curved outwards, such that its upper perimeter, given by the top rim 19, is larger than its lower perimeter.
The top rim 19 is supported by a second plurality of top caps, not illustrated in Figure 1 but further described below. Preferably there is a top cap located on top of each safety net pole. A top cap according to the invention may be positioned on top of the safety net pole in such a way that the top cap goes down outside of the foam and/or sleeve, thereby preventing water to enter beneath the foam or sleeve from above.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a top cap 101 according to prior art. Figure 2 illustrates the top cap 101 when mounted on top of the safety net pole 17a, while Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the top cap 101.
The top cap 101 extends in a height direction H coinciding with the extension direction of the safety net pole 17a, on top of which the top cap 101 is mounted. If the safety net pole 17a has an inclined upper part, the height direction may differ from the vertical direction. The top cap 101 comprises a top wall 103 intended to face upwards and a side wall 105 located at a perimeter of the top wall 103.
The prior art top cap 101 comprises a through-going groove 107 extending from a first exit opening 109 on one side of the side wall 103 to a second exit opening 111 on an opposite side of the side wall 105 thereby forming a through-going channel adapted to receive and retain the top rim 19. The groove 107 comprises an insertion portion 113 and a retaining portion 115, which are directly connected to each other, i.e. there is no transition portion in between. The insertion portion 113 comprises an opening 117 in the top wall 103, the retaining portion 115 thereby being accessible through the insertion portion 113 from above as seen in the height direction H. At least a part of the retaining portion 115, preferably a main portion of the retaining portion 115, more preferably the whole retaining portion 115, as is illustrated in the prior art embodiment of Figure 3, is located below the insertion portion 113 as seen in the height direction H. The retaining portion 115 is adapted to retain a portion 19a of the top rim 19 when mounted, cf. Figure 2.
As an option, illustrated in Figure 3, a lower end 119 of the side wall 105 is inclined. This makes it easier to insert the foam and/or sleeve surrounding the safety net pole into the top cap 101, such that the side wall 105 goes down outside of the foam and/or sleeve, thereby preventing water to enter beneath the foam or sleeve from above. The inclined lower end 119 may further be utilized to indicate to the person mounting the top cap 101 on the safety net pole 17a, which part of the top cap 101 should be directed radially outwards. Hence, for the prior art top cap 191 illustrated in Figure 3, the right-hand side of the top cap 101 is supposed to be mounted in a direction towards the centre of the trampoline 1.However, the top cap 101 would also work if mounted rotated by 180°. As an alternative, the lower end may instead be non-inclined, i.e. perpendicular to the height direction H.
The top cap 101 further comprises an inner wall 121 adapted to fit to the dimensions of the safety net pole 17a, which allows the top cap 101 to be mounted on top of the safety net pole 17a. In order to retain the top cap 101 on the safety net pole 17a, the inner wall 121 of the top cap 101 may be provided with a pair of holes 123a, 123b at opposite sides of the inner wall 121. The top cap 101 may then comprise a biased attachment means fitting with the safety net pole 17a, e.g. a spring-loaded pins, not illustrated, which fit into corresponding holes in the safety net pole 17a. As an alternative, or a complement, the attachment means may be comprised in the safety net pole 17a.
The insertion portion 113 is wide enough to allow the top rim 19 to pass. Yet it should not be too wide, such that the insertion portion 113 helps to retain the top rim 19 in the retaining portion 115. Hence, a width of the insertion portion 113 is typically a few millimetres wider than a width of the top rim 19, e.g. in the range of from 1 to 5 millimetres wider. Preferably, the insertion portion 113 is also wide enough to allow one of the above-mentioned coupling elements to pass. The width of the insertion portion 113 is determined in a direction being perpendicular to the height direction H as the smallest distance from one side edge of the insertion portion 113 to the other side edge of the insertion portion 113, see arrow in Figure 4.
Typically, the retaining portion 115 is wider than the insertion portion 113. Also for the retaining portion 115, the width is determined in a direction being perpendicular to the height direction H as the smallest distance from one side edge of the retaining portion 115 to the other side. In the illustrated prior art embodiment, the retaining portion 115 extends both to the left and to the right of the insertion portion 113 with directions as in Figure 3, i.e. radially inwards and outwards in relation to the jump mat 3.
The retaining portion 115 and the top rim 19 may cooperate in such a way that an original shape formed by the top rim 19 when not tensioned either is a bit too small or a bit too large in relation to the insertion portion 113.
If a bit too small, the top rim 19 will assume a position in the retaining portion 115, which is radially inwards, i.e. closer to a centre of the trampoline 1, than that of the insertion portion 113. This would correspond to being pressed to the right-hand side of the retaining portion 115 in the prior art top cap 101 of Figure 3.
If a bit too large, the top rim 19 would be pressed outwards in the retaining portion 115, i.e. away from the centre of the trampoline 1. This would correspond to being pressed to the left-hand side of the retaining portion 115 in the prior art top cap of Figure 3.
If the top rim 19 would have a perfect fit, i.e. have a perimeter adapted to the location of the insertion portion 113, the top rim 19 would be located straight below the insertion portion 113 and there would thus be a potential risk of the top rim 19 jumping out of the groove 107 when the trampoline 1 is in use.
The insertion portion 113 extends along a first orientation E₁ which in the illustrated prior art embodiment is constituted by a line extending perpendicularly to the height direction H. The first orientation E₁ forms a geometrical centre-line of the insertion portion 113. Figure 4 illustrates the first orientation E₁ projected as a first projection P₁ in a plane being perpendicular to the height direction H. Since the first orientation E₁ is a straight line, also the first projection P₁ is a straight line, see dotted line in Figure 4.
The retaining portion 115 extends along a second orientation E₂, which is also constituted by a line extending perpendicularly to the height direction H. The second orientation E₂ forms a geometrical centre-line of the retaining portion 115. The second orientation E₂ of the retaining portion 115 is equidistant to the first orientation E₁ of the insertion portion 113, i.e. the first and second orientations E₁, E₂ extend in parallel, with the second orientation E₂ of the retaining portion 115 being located straight below the first orientation E₁ of the insertion portion 113 as seen in the height direction H, which is best seen in Figure 3. Figure 4 illustrates the second orientation E₂ of the retaining portion 115 projected as a second projection P₂ in the above-mentioned plane being perpendicular to the height direction H. Since also the second orientation E₂ is a line, the second projection P₂ is a straight line, see dashed line in Figure 4. For this prior art top cap 101, the two projections P₁ and P₂ coincide.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a top cap 21 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the top cap, while Figure 6 illustrates a perspective side view of the top cap 21 being placed upside down.
The top cap 21 extends in a height direction H, which is intended to coincide with the extension direction of the safety net pole 17a, on top of which the top cap 21 is to be mounted. The top cap 21 is to be mounted on top of the safety net pole 17a in a similar way as described above for Figure 2. The top cap 21 has a generally cylindrical shape. The top cap 21 comprises a top wall 23 intended to face upwards and a side wall 25 located at a perimeter of the top wall 23. The top wall 23 also comprises a transition surface 26 forming a smooth transition to the side wall 25.
The top cap 21 comprises a through-going groove 27 extending from a first exit opening 29 on one side of the side wall 25 to a second exit opening 31 on an opposite side of the side wall 25 forming a through-going channel adapted to receive and retain the top rim 19. The groove 27 comprises an insertion portion 33 and a retaining portion 35, which are connected to each other, optionally, but not illustrated via one or more transition portions. A main difference between the prior art top cap 101 of Figure 3 and the top cap 21 of the invention is that the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35 have different orientations, as is further described below. As a consequence thereof, the insertion portion 33 is located non-centric in relation to the retaining portion 35 as seen in a direction parallel to the height direction H. In the first embodiment, see Figure 5, the centre of the insertion portion 33 is at the first exit opening 29, which faces out of the paper, located to the left of the centre of the retaining portion 35. At the second exit opening 31, the centre of the insertion portion 33 is to the right of the centre of the retaining portion 35. However, when passing below the central axis of the top cap 21, the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35 are located centric in relation to each other.
The insertion portion 33 forms an opening 37 in the top wall 23, the retaining portion 35 thereby being accessible from above as seen in the height direction H through the insertion portion 33. At least a part of the retaining portion 35, preferably a main portion of the retaining portion 35, more preferably the whole retaining portion, as is illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, is located below the insertion portion 33 as seen in the height direction H. Similar as for the prior art embodiment of Figure 3, the insertion portion 33 is wide enough to allow the top rim 19 to pass and preferably also one of the above-mentioned coupling elements.
In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion portion 33 is narrower than the retaining portion 35, which will help to retain the top rim 19 in the retaining portion 35. However, according to the invention, it is possible to have a wider insertion portion 33 than in the prior art embodiment, for example even as wide as that of the retaining portion 35, due to the different orientations of the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35, which retains the top rim 19 in the retaining portion 25 as is further explained below. Thereby it is possible to have a top rim 19 with perfect fit, neither too large, nor too small, cf. the prior art embodiment of the top cap 101 of Figure 3, and yet the top rim 19 is prevented from undesirably jumping out of the groove 27 by the different orientations of the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35.
The insertion portion 33 extends along a first orientation F₁, which in the illustrated embodiment is a line extending perpendicularly to the height direction H. The first orientation F₁ forms a geometrical centre-line of the insertion portion 33. The first orientation F₁ extends in a three-dimensional space. In the first embodiment, the cross-section of the insertion portion 33 has a generally rectangular shape. The cross-section is defined in a plane being perpendicular to the first orientation F₁. Hence, the insertion portion 33 has a three-dimensional shape of a rectangular cuboid.
Figure 7 illustrates the first orientation F₁ of the insertion portion 33 projected as a first projection Q₁ in a plane being perpendicular to the height direction H. Since the first orientation F₁ is a line, also the first projection Q₁ is a line, see dotted line in Figure 7. The first projection Q₁ extends in the projection plane, i.e. in a two-dimensional space.
Similar as for the prior art cap 101, the top cap 21 according to the first embodiment of the invention, further comprises an inner wall 39 adapted to fit to the dimensions of the safety net pole 17a, which allows the top cap 21 to be mounted on top of the safety net pole 17a in a corresponding way as explained above for the prior art cap 101. In order to retain the top cap 21 on the safety net pole 17a, the inner wall 39 may be provided with a pair of holes 41a, 41b at opposite sides of the inner wall 39. As described above, the top cap 21 may then comprise a biased attachment means fitting with the safety net pole 17a, e.g. a spring-loaded pins, not illustrated, which fit into corresponding holes in the safety net pole 17a. As an alternative, or a complement, the attachment means may be comprised in the safety net pole 17a.
The retaining portion 35 extends along a second orientation F₂ which forms a geometrical centre-line of the retaining portion 35. For this embodiment, the second orientation F₂ is a line extending perpendicularly to the height direction H, however, not in parallel to the first orientation F₁ of the insertion portion 33. The second orientation F₂ of the retaining portion 35 is thus non-equidistant to the first orientation F₁ of the insertion portion 33. The second orientation F₂ of the retaining portion 35 is located below the first orientation F₁ of the insertion portion 33 as seen in the height direction H, however not straight below as for the prior art embodiment of Figure 3.
In the first embodiment, the cross-section of the retaining portion 35 has a shape of an oval, which is an example of a symmetric shape. Hence, a cross-section of the retaining portion 35 has an elongated shape, i.e. its width w is larger than its height h, see Figure 8. The cross-section is defined in a plane being perpendicular to the second orientation F₂. The retaining portion 35 of the illustrated top cap 21 thus has a three-dimensional shape of a cylinder with an oval footprint.
Figure 7 illustrates the second orientation F₂ of the retaining portion 35 projected in the above-mentioned plane being perpendicular to the height direction H. Since the second orientation F₂ is a line, its projection Q₂ is a line, see dashed line in Figure 7. The outer contours of the retaining portion 35 are marked by point-dashed lines in Figure 7.
As mentioned above, the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35 have different orientations. Consequently, the projections Q₁, Q₂ of their respective orientations F₁, F₂ do not coincide. The two projections Q₁, Q₂ are non-equidistant. Instead the first and second projections Q₁, Q₂ cross each other with an angle α at a projected centre-point P, which is a projection of a centre of the top wall 23 in the plane. Since the top cap 21 has a generally cylindrical geometry, the projected centre-point P is located at the axis of the cylindrical shape. Preferably, and as is illustrated, the second projection Q₂ of the retaining portion 35 extends between projections 43a, 43b in this plane of the above-mentioned holes 41a, 41b cooperating with the attachment means, such that the retaining portion 35 extends straight above the above-mentioned holes 41a, 41b, see Figure 5.
Since the insertion portion 33 and the retaining portion 35 have different orientations, the difference of orientations will contribute to the retaining portion 35 in an efficient way preventing the top rim 19 from jumping out of the groove 27. Preferably, the retaining portion 35 is aligned such that it follows the tangent of the top rim 19 as seen at the projected centre-point P of the top wall 23. Hence, the direction of the top rim 19 while located in the retaining portion 35 represents a stable position of the top rim 19, i.e. with a low potential energy. In order to fit in the in the insertion portion 33, the top rim 19 would be somewhat distorted from its original shape, i.e. the position in the insertion portion 33 represents a higher potential energy than that of the retaining portion 35. Hence, when no external force is applied, the top rim 19, it will adapt to the shape of the retaining portion 35.
A method of arranging a top rim 19 in a top cap 21 according to the invention is described in Figure 9. See also Figures 2 and 5-6.
240: Aligning a portion 19a of the top rim 19 and the insertion portion 33 of the top cap 21 by applying an alignment force.
The portion 19a of the top rim 19 is at least as long as the insertion portion 33. The alignment force is an external force, which is applied, directly or indirectly, to the top cap 21, to the safety net pole 17a and/or to the top rim 19. Preferably, the alignment force is applied by hand, such that no extra tool is needed.
The whole safety net pole 17a with the top cap 21 attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap 21 alone, may be rotated to obtain the alignment of the top rim 19 with the insertion portion 33. Hence the alignment force would be a rotation force applied to cause the rotation. The rotation corresponds to the above-mentioned angle α, see Figure 7.
As an alternative or a complement, the top rim 19 can be distorted from its original shape, also being its rest shape. In the example of Figure 1, the top rim 19 may be locally twisted away from its original shape, e.g. circular as in Figure 1, by a distortion force being the alignment force, such that the portion 19a temporarily becomes aligned with the insertion portion 33.
250: Inserting the portion 19a of the top rim 19 through the insertion portion 33 and into the retaining portion 35 of the top cap 21, such that this portion 19a will be retained by the retaining portion 35 of the top cap 21.
260: Releasing the alignment force.
If rotating the whole safety net pole 17a with the top cap 21 attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap 21 alone, the rotation force is released after insertion of the top rim 19, such that the safety net pole 17a with the top cap 21 attached to it in a fixed position, or the top cap 21 alone, can return to its original position.
In case the top rim 19 is distorted from its original shape, the distortion force is released after insertion of the top rim 19, such that the portion 19a of the top rim 19 will adapt to follow the shape of the retaining portion 35. The top rim 19 strives to go back to its original shape. Preferably, the retaining portion 35 is oriented such that the top rim 19 can go back to its original shape.
Before performing the above steps, one or more of the following steps may be performed:

210: Positioning a top cap 21 according to the invention on top of a safety net pole 17a.
220: Orientating the top cap 21 in relation to the safety net pole 17a, such that the top rim 19 will be located in the retaining portion 35 of the groove 27 after insertion.

The top cap 21 may be orientated by rotating it in relation to the safety net pole 17a. Step 220 may be made before step 210. Further, if the top cap 21 was correctly orientated in relation to the safety net pole 17a, step 220 may be dispensed with.
230: As an option, which is preferred, attaching the top cap 21 to the safety net pole 17a with this orientation, such that the top cap 21 is in a fixed position in relation to the safety net pole.
Preferably the attachment to the safety net pole 17a is fixed, such that the top cap 21 cannot fall off undesirably. Step 230 may e.g. be performed by utilizing the above-mentioned attachment means. It is however preferred that the top cap 21 is releasably fixed to the safety net pole 17a, such that the safety net retaining system 11 may be dismounted and/or removed when desired.
Figures 10a-d illustrate a top cap 21' according to a second embodiment of the invention. This top cap 21' has most features in common with that of the first embodiment. These features have the same reference numbers as in Figures 5-7 but are denoted by a ' in Figures 10a-d.
Figure 10a shows a cross-section through the top cap 21' at the level of the insertion portion 33'. The cross-sectional plane is perpendicular to the height direction H. Since the insertion portion 33' extends in a plane being perpendicular to the height direction H, the first projection Q'₁, being a projection of the first orientation of the insertion portion 33', forms a line in this plane, see dotted line in Figure 10a. Dash-dotted lines in Figure 10a indicate the side edges of the insertion portion 33'.
Figure 10b shows a cross-section through the top cap 21' at the level of the retaining portion 35'. The cross-sectional plane is perpendicular to the height direction H. Since the retaining portion 35' extends in a plane being perpendicular to the height direction H, the second projection Q'₂, being a projection of the second orientation of the insertion portion 35', forms a line in this plane, see dashed line in Figure 10b. Dash-dotted lines in Figure 10b indicate the side edges of the retaining portion 35'.
Figure 10c is a combination of Figures 10a and 10b. The top cap 21' of the second embodiment has a larger angular difference between the first projection Q'₁ of the insertion portion 33' and the second projection Q'₂ of the retaining portion 35' than the first embodiment. Therefore the first projection Q'₁ and the second projection Q'₂ cross at the projected centre-point P' with the angle α', which is larger than the angle α of the first embodiment. A transition portion 45' connects the insertion portion 33' with the retaining portion 35', which thus is indirectly connected to the insertion portion 33' in this embodiment. See Figure 10d showing a side view of the top cap 21'.
When the top rim 19 is to be mounted in the top cap 21' according to the second embodiment, the portion 19a of the top rim 19 is thus inserted through the insertion portion 33', transited through the transition portion 45' and moved into the retaining portion 35', where the top rim 19 is retained.
Figures 11a-d illustrate a top cap 21" according to a third embodiment of the invention. This top cap 21" has most features in common with that of the first and second embodiments. These features have the same reference numbers as in Figures 5-7 but are denoted by a " in Figures 11a-d.
Figure 11a shows a cross-section through the top cap 21" at the level of the insertion portion 33". The first projection Q"₁, being a projection of the first orientation of the insertion portion 33", forms a line in this plane, see dotted line in Figure 11a. Dash-dotted lines in Figure 11a indicate the side edges of the insertion portion 33". The top cap 21" of the third embodiment differs from those of the first and second embodiments in that each side edge of the insertion portion 33" comprises a respective protrusion 47" locally decreasing the width of the insertion portion 33" at the respective exit opening 29", 31". This influences an effective width 49" of the insertion portion 33", i.e. the width being available for a top rim 19 to be inserted into. See dashed lines in Figure 11a. Hence in this embodiment, the effective width 49" is less than the actual width 51", which is seen as dashed-dotted lines. The first orientation and thus the first projection Q"₁ is determined in relation to the effective width 49", see dotted line in Figure 11a. In the first and second embodiment of the top cap 21, 21', the effective width is the same as the actual width.
Figure 11b shows a cross-section through the top cap 21" at the level of the retaining portion 35". The cross-section corresponds to that of the top cap 21' of the second embodiment. There are no protrusions in the retaining portion 35", which in this embodiment is as wide as the largest width of the insertion portion 33". Further, in the third embodiment, the retaining portion 35" is located straight below the insertion portion 33" if considering the actual width of the insertion portion 33".
Figure 11c is a combination of Figures 11a and 11b. The first projection Q"₁ and the second projection Q"₂ cross at the projected centre-point P" with the angle α". See also Figure 11d showing a side view of the top cap 21". In this embodiment, the insertion portion 33" can be directly connected to the retaining portion 35", i.e. without any transition portion.
Figures 12a-d illustrate a top cap 21"' according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This top cap 21"' has most features in common with that of the first, second and third embodiments. These features have the same reference numbers as in Figures 5-7 but are denoted by a'" in Figures 12a-d.
The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the protrusions 47'" are located distant from the exit openings 29'", 31'". Consequently the effective width 49'" is even less than for the third embodiment.
Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims are feasible. As such, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings.

Claims

A top cap (21) adapted to be mounted on top of a safety net pole (17a) of a trampoline, said top cap (21) extending in a height direction (H),
said top cap (21) comprising a top wall (23) and a side wall (25),
said top cap (21) comprising a through-going groove (27) extending from a first exit opening (29) at one side of said side wall (25) to a second exit opening (31) at an opposite side of said side wall (25),
said groove (27) comprising an insertion portion (33) and a retaining portion (35), which are directly or indirectly connected to each other,
characterized in that
said insertion portion (33) has a first orientation (F₁) and said retaining portion (35) has a second orientation (F₂), said second orientation (F₂) being different from said first orientation (F₁);
said first orientation (F₁) extends from said first exit opening (29) to said second exit opening (31) in said insertion portion (33) and is perpendicular to an effective width of said insertion portion (33), said effective width being the width of said insertion portion (33) available for a top rim (19) to be inserted into, said effective width being determined by drawing a respective straight line at each side edge of said insertion portion (33), such that the line goes from said first exit opening (29) to said second exit opening (31) and yet not intersects with the side edge of said insertion portion (33),
said second orientation (F₂) extends from said first exit opening (29) to said second exit opening (31) in said retaining portion (35), said second orientation (F₂) being determined in a corresponding way as said first orientation (F₁),
said first orientation (F₁) having a first projection (Q₁) to a plane being perpendicular to said height direction (H) and said second orientation (F₂) having a second projection (Q₂) to said plane.
The top cap (21) according to claim 1, wherein said first projection (Q₁) of said first orientation (F₁) to said plane being perpendicular to said height direction (H) is non-equidistant to said second projection (Q₂) of said second orientation (F₂) to said plane.
The top cap (21) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first projection (Q₁) and/or said second projection (Q₂) in said plane go/goes through a projected centre point (P) of a centre of said top wall (23) in said plane.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first projection (Q₁) assumes an extension direction being rotated in relation to said second projection (Q₂) in said plane.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first projection (Q₁) and said second projection (Q₂) cross each other, preferably at said projected centre point (P).
The top cap (21) according to claim 5, wherein said first projection (Q₁) and said second projection (Q₂) cross each other in said plane at an angle (α) being in the range of 0 < α ≤ 90°, preferably 2° ≤ α ≤ 60°, more preferably 3° ≤ α ≤ 30°, most preferably 5° ≤ α ≤ 15°.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said insertion portion (33) forms an opening (37) in said top wall (23), said retaining portion (35) being accessible through said insertion portion (33) from above as seen in said height direction (H).
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of said retaining portion (35) and/or of said insertion portion (33) have/has a symmetric shape.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a main portion of said retaining portion (35) has the same cross-sectional shape, preferably all or substantially all of said retaining portion (35) have the same cross-sectional shape.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a main portion of said insertion portion (33) has the same cross-sectional shape, preferably all or substantially all of said insertion portion (33) have the same cross-sectional shape.
The top cap (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said first exit opening (29) and/or in said second exit opening (31), said insertion portion (33) is located non-centric in relation to said retaining portion (35) in a direction (H) parallel to said height direction (H).
A kit comprising
- one or more top caps (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, said one or more top caps (21) comprising a respective groove (27), and

- a top rim (19) adapted to bridge interspaces between safety net poles (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f),
said grooves (27) being adapted to receive and retain said top rim (19).
A trampoline (1) comprising
- a jump mat (3),

- a frame (5), adapted to encompass said jump mat (3),

- a safety net (9) adapted to surround said jump mat (3) in order to prevent a user from falling off said jump mat (3) and/or from stepping outside said jump mat (3),

- a first plurality of safety net poles(17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f), adapted to be located around a perimeter of said frame (5),

- a second plurality of top caps (21) according to any one of claims 1-11 adapted to be mounted on top of a respective safety net pole (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f) of said first plurality of safety net poles, and

- a top rim (19) adapted to bridge interspaces between said safety net poles (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f),
wherein said top rim (19) is adapted to hold said safety net (9) when said top rim (19) is retained in said respective grooves (27) of said top caps (21).
A method of arranging a top rim (19) in a top cap (21) according to any one of claims 1-11, said method comprising:
- aligning a portion (19a) of said top rim (19) and said insertion portion (33) of said top cap (21) by applying an alignment force,

- inserting said portion (19a) of said top rim (19) through said insertion portion (33) and into said retaining portion (35) of said top cap (21),

- releasing said alignment force.
The method according to claim 14 being utilized for a trampoline (1) according to claim 13, said method further comprising one or more of the following steps:
- positioning a top cap (21) according to any one of claims 1-11 on top of a safety net pole (17a),

- orientating said top cap (21) in relation to said safety net pole (17a), such that said top rim (19) will be located in said retaining portion (35) of said groove (27) after insertion,

- optionally, attaching said top cap (21) to said safety net pole (17a) with this orientation.